Decision details

To enable the Executive to consider the recommendations made by the Independent Remuneration Panel in respect of the Members’ Allowances Scheme and the recommendations made by the Scrutiny Board held on 11 January 2018 and to refer this matter to Council for decision.  Any recommendations will be effective from 01 April 2018.

In 2003, the Government made Regulations which give local authorities discretion in preparing a Members’ Allowance Scheme that reflects local circumstances, whilst at the same time providing clear and transparent accountability.   In support of this process, local authorities are required to take into account the recommendations of a locally appointed Independent Remuneration Panel.

The Panel first met and made their initial recommendations in 2003 and it has since advised the Council periodically in respect of the allowances payable to Members.  The Panel, which met on the 09 November 2017,  consisted of the same Panel members  as previously which provided consistency for this review.

The current scheme of Members’ Allowances expires in the 2017/18 municipal year and the Council needs to adopt a new scheme for 01 April 2018 onwards.  The Independent Remuneration has made recommendations in respect of the scheme for next year and Council will be invited to consider their proposals.  These recommendations have been considered by the Scrutiny Board who have made their recommendations.   The Executive are asked to consider both the recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel and the Scrutiny Board and put forward their recommendation for consideration by Council at its meeting in February 2018.

Having debated this item and considered  the Independent Remuneration Panel recommendations, as set out at paragraphs 7 -14 in the Executive briefing paper, along with the comments and recommendations made by the Scrutiny Board at paragraphs 16(a) - (d), it was RESOLVED that the Executive recommend to Council:

(a)  that consideration is given to the recommendations made by the Independent Remuneration Panel, in conjunction with the recommendations made by the Scrutiny Board;

(b)  that specific consideration is given to the annual increase, index linked, to the remuneration made to the Designated Independent Person; and

(c)  agree those recommendations with a view to the adoption of a revised Members’ Allowances Scheme commencing 01 April 2018.